Furman University Reviews

Check out reviews left by other students or leave your own review. You could win a free scholarship.

Demesheka from Conyers, GA

10/23/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

11 out of 11 people found this review useful.
1 of 25

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Comments

Great for these types of students

Furman is best for students who like the smaller school (Furman has roughly 2800 students).

Tips for prospective students

Furman can be difficult if you don't organize your time well. Don't try to do everything when you first come in and end up stressed and pushing for time. It's better to adjust to your classes before adding any extracurriculars because they are ultimately your highest priority.

Bang for the buck

Furman will definately prepare you for any post-graduate endeavours you have. You'll have excellent study skills for graduate school and the liberal arts education and reputation Furman has is an advantage.

Am enjoying being here

I enjoy the atmosphere at Furman. The campus is beautiful, the students and faculty are polite and friendly, and it's not a large campus so it doesnt take more than 10-15 min walking to get anywhere

Am learning a lot

I am definately learning more than I thought I'd be learning in such short semesters at Furman. At times it may seem a bit overwhelming but professors are always willing to explain and help their students and Furman provides tutoring if needed during the week.

Manage your time well. Check out the downtown scene - get out of the Furman bubble once in a while. Smiling or even waving will get you a lot further than you may think. Get to know your professors. Get involved!

Elisabeth from Greenville, SC

Self-motivated, focused students. Good with time-management. (or at least have the capabilities to learn the skill)

Tips for prospective students

Write about what you know and what you are passionate about on your applications. Have a well organized resume ahead of time, it's a incredibly handy reference when you are applying for all your different scholarships. Furman looks for students with initiative, so activities that you organized yourself or that you had a leadership role in are important to mention.

Bang for the buck

Furman is an incredible school that has an excellent national reputation that will be very helpful when you apply to grad school. It is very expensive though. My advice is to apply for as many scholarships as possible and to keep track of deadlines. The money is out there -you just have to know where to look. The Hollingsworth Scholarship is the Furman merit based scholarship for in-state students while the Townes Scholarship is for out-of-state students.

Am enjoying being here

Furman University has a very active campus life. The Furman University Student Activities Board plans countless events throughout the year that appeal to all different sorts of people. They've sponsored everything from an aquarium sleepover at the Tennessee Aquarium to Christmas at the Biltmore Estate. Furman also hosts its share of notable guest speakers and artists. In April we had the Far East Movement and Matt & Kim perform. We even had Seth Myers from SNL's Weekend Update come and give a show. The Greek life at Furman University is very active but not exclusive. Many Greek events are open to all Furman students. If you are interested in life off campus, Downtown Greenville is 15 minutes away with an array of shops and Falls Park that centers around the famous Liberty Bridge, a suspension bridge that curves gracefully over the Reedy River Falls. Furman University is also right next to the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a multi-use paved trail that runs all the way from the town of Travelers Rest to Downtown Greenville.

Am learning a lot

Furman University is not the kind of school that you get away with hiding in the back of the classroom. They are about engaged learning; not only teaching you class material but how to think critically. Freshman are required to take first-year seminars of their choosing that are topics personally selected by the professor (like a hiking seminar on writing about the environment or spy codes through history) so not only are you taking a class that you're interested in, but it's something your professor is passionate about. These seminars are very small with a class size around 8. The rest of the classes at Furman are not very large - even the intro courses. My Spanish 115 class had about 22 people in it. You will come out of Furman University prepared for the real world - the kind that doesn't care that you got an A on your Calc exam, but that you know how to utilize your resources and effectively problem-solve.

Dean from Pelzer, SC

A little effort goes a long way at Furman. Make sure you manage your time wisely and don't over-stretch yourself in extracurriculars. Be prepared to study. Everything will be great!

Bang for the buck

Furman has great professors, staff, and students. It is an amazing experience. Although it is a private institution and pretty expensive, Furman is well worth the cost. Everyone is involved to some degree on campus and everyone brings a little different cultural background to the table. It is awesome how happy everyone is here and how much everyone enjoys Furman.

Am enjoying being here

The campus is quiet large, covering almost 800 acres. Although it is located near downtown and is only 30 minutes away from my home, I feel as though I am miles away and in an isolated location. The social atmosphere here is great. Everyone is extremely nice and it is easy to make many friends. The size is just right, with just about 2600 students. I highly recommend FURMAN!

Am learning a lot

Furman is a great environment academically. With a very good student to faculty ration, it is easy to get the attention needed while in class. Although most of the courses are difficult, the material is crucial and beneficial to achieving lifetime goals. Furman is an amazing university; be prepared to learn A LOT!

random girl

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
1 person found this inaccurate.
5 of 25

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Great for these types of students

Professional golfing overachievers. Also anyone who is friendly, loves beautiful campuses, enjoys good weather, and is willing to learn!

Tips for prospective students

Besides becoming a professional golf player? Stack up on the APs and honors courses. Furman has great professors and good research opportunities. The sooner you learn to study and manage your time, the better you'll be off.

Bang for the buck

Furman University is very expensive. Tuition is a little over 39,000 without room and board! I definitely recommend applying for scholarships...and maybe becoming a professional golfer.

Will enjoy being here

The atmosphere is great. With a beautiful campus, great weather, and charming people, Furman seems like a place you would want to call home.

Will learn a lot

Professors seem really outgoing, intelligent, and ready to teach. The good thing about Furman: it's small enough so that the professors really get to know you.

D. Cody from South Carolina

02/06/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 out of 4 people found this review useful.
6 of 25

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Campus Safety

fupo (furman police) is everywhere, and that's a good thing. i was pulled over last semester for coming back on campus at 2am in my girlfriend's car (without a sticker on the back). they are very vigilant, but not to the point of harassing. call boxes are all over campus and the lighting is above average. the biggest safety issue on campus is probably leaving your bike unlocked, finding out that it has been taken, and walking to your next class only to see that someone rode it fifty yards.

Greek Life

greek life is big, especial for guys, but not a necessity. it provides a great opportunity for networking but if you are not involved, it will not close any doors.

Clubs and Activities

there are myriad opportunities to join clubs on campus. from political groups to investment clubs, if you like it, we have it. if we don't have it, by some small chance, there are many opportunities to start clubs. speakers are on the campus all of the time. this year's notable speakers (fall 2011) included speaker newt gingrich and peter schiff.

Great for these types of students

intellectually curious, hard-working, dedicated, and willing to sacrifice [to some extent] the normal social life of a college student

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

don't get thrown into the lake on your birthday - it is ridden with e. coli...

Bang for the buck

furman is very expensive - to the tune of $50,000+ per year. if you are willing and able to attend, though, do! the professors are of the absolute highest quality and are the best in their respective fields. furman also provides concerts free of charge along with many other events and specials including free red bull and back massages during finals.

What to do for fun

downtown greenville is less than ten minutes away. main street is filled with restaurants (from lower priced to gourmet), shops (leather shops to toy stores), and there are always festivals and shows going on. cycling/mountain biking is huge here. there are tons of trails, such as swamp rabbit and paris mountain, that provide hours of athletic exercise and stress relief.

Food and Dining

freshmen are required to carry an unlimited meal plan. the dining hall provides excellent choices (daily salad bar, smoothies in the morning, sandwiches, excellent desserts, ice cream machines, etc.) the meal plan also includes food points to einstein bros. bagels and the pal-a-den (moe's southwest grill, chick-fil-a, subs, and pangea's). i would suggest using the food points during exam weeks so you can take your food to a tranquil place and cram a little more for finals.

Dorm Life

the dorms are pretty decent in size when compared to other campuses. the activity level in the hall can vary greatly, though. my hall has closed doors most of the time, while my friend's hall has open doors all the time with constant socialization.

Academic Rigor

understand that, no matter what your high school was like, furman will be a challenge. studying every single day is truly necessary to thrive in this environment. the classes are mostly discussion based, so reading [the materials before class] will be your life.

Tips for prospective students

time management is key! if you can balance your studies and social life, you will succeed. if you encounter an imbalance, fix it and move on. hunker down from the start or else you will be playing catch-up.

In three sentences

furman is a place for the most intellectually curious to pursue their academic goals. it is a very competitive environment, as everyone is at the highest level of academic excellence. though the workload is stressful at times, you really feel like you are broadening your horizons.

UniqueBoy

06/03/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 3 people found this review useful.
8 of 25

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Campus Safety

The FUPOs don't play. They take their job very seriously.

Greek Life

They're so annoying. There's so many of them and they take their rules very seriously. Girls don't hang out with other girls and guys fight over these things. If that's your thing, then this school is good for that but it's not particularly mine.

Clubs and Activities

There's so many unique and awesome options for people to explore their interests!

Great for these types of students

There are great things at this school for all kinds of students!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

We have a peace garden, and there's also the tradition of throwing someone in the lake on their birthday.

Bang for the buck

It's a little on the expensive side.

What to do for fun

I participate in extracurricular activities and clubs and hang out with friends to have study groups, go out to dinner, and just have fun.

Food and Dining

The DH is great offering a variety of dishes as well as stable everyday options such as the delicious salad bar, pizza, chicken patties, and fries.

Dorm Life

This is a catch 22 because although the dorms are nice, the lottery system can really mess people up by aligning them with roommates they may not particularly like and puts people in very irregular situations especially for an educational experience.

Academic Rigor

It's very challenging.

Tips for prospective students

Stick to the books and don't doubt your ability to succeed. Go in with the mindset that you will make it.

In three sentences

Furman is a very rigorous academic institution. If the student is dedicated and driven they will love the atmosphere and do well. If not, this may not be the school for them, there is a lot of work.

Burgiss Theater always has movies on the weekends, there are generally study events at the library, and FUSAB (Furman University Student Activities Board) is AMAZING. There is always something fun to do.

Dorm Life

The dorms are mostly older, but most are pretty big rooms and lots have been updated.

Tips for prospective students

It is really worth it to sit in on a class when you visit. Also, if you can, arrange to stay the night with a current student through Admissions. Most people love to host prospectives and will be able to show you a lot more than you see on your tour.

Be prepared for difficult classes. It is the second most rigorous in the United States, and so can be a little overwhelming for someone who chooses to intense of a schedule. Try to plan classes so that you have some easier classes, as well as some tougher ones. That way you don't get stuck suffering through several different intense classes and end up having to drop one.

Bang for the buck

It is a private school, and so is extremely expensive. However, the price of the school is reflected in the quality of the campus and faculty. Still, a little pricey, especially for a school that does not give out many scholarships (especially when it is only 2500 students).

Am enjoying being here

The campus is beautiful, the students are amiable and intelligent, and the city is a lot of fun. I never have trouble finding something to do, whether that be on campus or in downtown, and my overall experience has been a good one.

Am learning a lot

The quality of the professors, as well as the selection of classes, allows for an extremely dynamic and interesting learning experience. I feel that I am retaining the information I am learning, and the passion of the professors facilitates the learning process.

Rebecca from Dillsboro, NC

05/21/2012

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

12 of 25

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Campus Safety

Super, super, super safe. Furman is a private, liberal arts school- meaning all surrounding gates close except the main gate at night. There are police cars everyone. Every individual I have talked to said they feel safe all day-every day. They can go out to their cars or the library anytime of the night and feel completely normal. With that said, police are always handing out parking tickets. Park where you are supposed to be and follow the rules.

Greek Life

Like I said, there are greeks, but- they aren't the typical stereotypes. Everyone gets along with everyone else. Furman is already a small school (at 3,000 students) but getting to know a smaller group of people is great also. An interesting part to Furman is when the greeks rush. Furman makes sure students are ready and situated in being alone from home. They rush in the spring instead of fall. It really is a great benefit (people are able to see all of Furman's greeks compete during homecoming).

Clubs and Activities

Fraternities/sororities are popular-but not controlling (meaning: everyone is friends with everyone). Math clubs, sport clubs, even a HARRY POTTER club. Basically, there is a club for everyone (you can even form a club, get it approved, and make it official)!

Great for these types of students

This school is amazing for students who are academic and love challenges. The sciences are often a favorite major. Almost half of the graduate population goes on to further their education in a graduate school. The school also caters to a great music program.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There is an amazing Japanese garden that looks out on the campus lake. Everyone always gets excited for the first week- HOMECOMING!! Fraternities/sororities build floats, carnival rides are open to everyone, and the famous FU chants begin.

Bang for the buck

There is no getting around it. Furman is expensive. Fortunently, if you request financial aid/loans/grants, you can get the support that will help lower the cost. Also, if you are a legacy (meaning your parent attended) you will automatically get $10,000 a year. You can also fill out a legacy scholarship that will go through an interviewing process. This will put you as a potential candidate for $100,000! With that said, you also learn so much. Whether it is the information required for your major to life-lessons, you know you will be prepared when you graduate.

What to do for fun

Downtown Greenville holds several dining, shopping, and entertainment options. The mall is just around the corner, as well as the Blue Ridge Mountains (within a short drive).

Food and Dining

From my visits as a prospective student, I found that the campus gave several options to dining. I asked students there and they said that they never got old of the dining options. There are several other places open on campus and if you put in a dining request, you will most likely see the choice served within a few weeks.

Dorm Life

The dorms have several options. There is suite style living (even for freshman!), doubles, and even triples. The rooms are large and provide everything. You can opt out of options and bring your own furniture. McGlothlin (my choice), Poteat, and Geer are a part of South-housing (SoHo) that include a sink/mirror/medicine cabinet within the space as well as communal bathrooms (which you don't have to clean!) Some dorms are co-ed (sister/brother halls) and some are strictly boys and strictly girls. Freshmen through seniors are required to live on campus all four years (but juniors and seniors get really nice on-campus apartments).

Academic Rigor

I'm not going to lie, Furman is not for slackers. Furman challenges each and every individual to perform their best. It helps prepare students not just for those going straight into a career or graduate school upon graduation, but also the stability of each student's life several years later.

Tips for prospective students

Furman University is awesome. From the academic individuals to the beautiful campus layout- everyone will find a part of the university that will relate to them.

In three sentences

Furman is engaged in the student's interests, not just academics. Furman is prestigious and challenging, but the percentage of graduates either attending a graduate school or career is 100% within the year. Furman understands students will be stressed when it comes to finals, that is why it sets up activities like massages and therapeutic pets outside test centers.

Erin from Hilton Head Island, SC

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

13 of 25

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Campus Safety

Furman encourages all of their students to put the Campus Police phone number on speed dial on their cell phones- the police are always roaming around campus!

Greek Life

A great thing about Greek Life at Furman is you do not have to rush until January- giving students plenty of time to decide on which sorority they will consider or become a part of!

Clubs and Activities

Literally- something for everyone!! You will feel accepted!!

Great for these types of students

People who love to interact with one another!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There are a ton- something for everyone!

Bang for the buck

Furman is expensive but offers several scholarship opportunities to make up for the price and pay for the amazing education each of the University's students will be receiving.

What to do for fun

There is always something going around campus!

Food and Dining

The food at Furman is not like many places. It offers a wide variety to suit everyone's dietary likes and habits.

Dorm Life

The dorms are not only spacious but also offer specific opportunities for students in each dorm building.

Academic Rigor

Furman was rated the second most rigorous college in the country.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure to check out the campus and see all of the opportunities that await you! There is something for everyone!

In three sentences

An amazing institution who offers several majors while also representing its role as a liberal arts school. There is a great balance of challenging academics while also have a heavy student participation in community involvement around the campus. It is truly a place where all students can feel safe and accepted.

Perry from Mauldin, SC

12/29/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

14 of 25

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Campus Safety

Furman has its very own police squad that patrols campus constantly. They are fully fledged police officers that work with Greenville County Police. If any incident does happen, there is a broadcast system (via email and txt message if you sign up for it) The campus is also really well lit at night so walking back to your dorm from the library or from another dorm is easy. The only place that isn't well lit at night is around the lake. Otherwise, the campus is VERY safe.

Greek Life

There are a lot of Greek sororities and fraternities on campus. I don't know a lot about them since I'm not planning to join a sorority.

Clubs and Activities

Furman loves people who are willing to participate in their community whether you are helping in Furman's community and surrounding area, or in your own community . There are several organizations on campus that will help continue the volunteer efforts. The main group that comes to mind is the Heller Service Corp. There are also clubs with in each academic department and major. At the end of this academic school year, I became a member of The Society of Physics Students.

Great for these types of students

hard working diligent outgoing smart creative organized kind polite

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

At football games we yell our school chant. It may sound offensive to others but it's quite fun and that's what adds to the craziness of it. The chant is FU one time, FU two times, FU three times FU all the time. The FU stands for Furman University. Another tradition that we have here at Furman is during O-week where the Freshmen guys come and serenade the freshman girls on the balconies at midnight at the end of the week. These are just a few of the traditions that are around campus.

What to do for fun

There is a lot to do for fun. Most of the fun activities come during Halloween where Furman has haunted trails and other stuff. Then during the rest of the year the on campus movie theater (Burgiss Theater) shows movies for $1 (with student ID) on Friday and Saturday nights. There are other places around town and close to campus to shop and see more recent movies.

Food and Dining

Food is ok in the dining hall (DH). The best place to go (though it's expensive) is the PalaDen (PDen) food court. The DH is the place that has some type of food for everyone. Whether you can (or like) to eat everything or you're on some dietary restriction there is usually something in the dining hall for you.

Dorm Life

The dorms are like a giant yearlong slumber party. On my hall, we leave our doors open while we are studying so people from the hall can come ask us questions or hang out. Most of the time, my friends and I watch TV and movies in my room on Friday nights. Dorm life is what you make of it.

Academic Rigor

The classes are challenging but most of the professors are willing to help if you ask.

Tips for prospective students

Be ready for hard work, long nights. Be ready to meet some crazy friends and amazing people. Keep yourself organized Ask your professors for help if you need it We may seem like super-nerds and snobby rich kids, but everyone is willing to help if you take a chance to ask them.

In three sentences

Furman is exciting, but rigorous academically, but you can be successful if you are organized and willing to get help. Furman will give you a network and lifelong friends. It will also give you amazing study skills and prepare you for the future.

Hannah from Marietta, GA

Furman Police, or FUPO, is constantly patrolling campus and keeping the environment safe. Campus is generally well-lit at night, and students can safely walk through it without any problems.

Greek Life

About one third of campus goes greek here, but there is no pressure to do so. There are enough non-greeks for people to not feel left out. Rush happens at the beginning of spring semester each year. It is time consuming, but well worth it all if you get accepted into a sorority or a fraternity.

Clubs and Activities

There is a wide variety of clubs and different organizations here. If there is not a certain club that you want to join, you can always start one of your own. There is literally something for everybody to join here.

Great for these types of students

Furman has an absolutely phenomenal music program. Any potential music majors should definitely check it out!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There is an amphitheater where you can go to watch movies or listen to different bands that visit Furman.

What to do for fun

On campus, you can go for walks around the lake, go hiking and biking on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, hang out with friends in the dorms, watch movies in the University Center, and go to sports games and concerts. If you want to get off campus, you can explore the shops and restaurants in Downtown Greenville and the surrounding community. There is always something to do in the area.

Food and Dining

The dining hall is an average college cafeteria. Some days the food is really good, other days not so much. There is a wide variety of food options, so everyone can usually find something they like. However, if the DH becomes too dull, there is always the Paladen Food Court and Einstein's Bagels on campus.

Dorm Life

Each area of housing has its pro's and con's. However, the one thing that they all have in common is the close-knit communities developed on the halls. The living conditions are probably not as good as most people are used to, so that is an adjustment. After two weeks, though, it is difficult to imagine living anywhere else.

Academic Rigor

Furman academics are very challenging. If you are not used to spending a large amount of time on schoolwork, transitioning to Furman may be a difficult adjustment. Effort is everything here. If you put a good amount of effort into your studies, you will be rewarded.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure to spend time researching and getting involved with your specific area of interest. It will really help you in your final decision of which school to enroll at.

In three sentences

Furman is the ideal place for transitioning between a dependent life with your parents and an independent life on your own. The academics are challenging, the campus is beautiful and the community is inviting. It truly is a home away from home.

Emanuel from Middletown, OH

Not very helpful. You will receive a crazy amount of parking tickets and they try to bust up a lot of parties on campus

Greek Life

Must do. Throws down like mad.

Clubs and Activities

GREEK LIFE!

Great for these types of students

Rich and adventurous.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Thrown in the lake on your birthday.

Bang for the buck

Furman is very expensive!

What to do for fun

You have to go greek. Not only does it include the best and smartest students of the school, it also has the best parties! Above all, I am lucky to share my college experience with friends I can rely on for a lifetime.

Food and Dining

The Dinning Hall (DH) have very bland food that sometimes make me sick so I try to not eat there as much as possible. The secrete is to use your campus cash (Paladin Points) at the Furman Golf Club clubhouse. There, they have great burgers and club sandwiches and even boneless wings!

Dorm Life

Some RAs are very strick and you will have to be friends with older students to have fun out of the dorms.

Academic Rigor

Furman is a challenging environment. You will have to make tradeoffs to have fun or to study.

Tips for prospective students

Bring your A game and have confidence in yourself.

In three sentences

Furman is a challenging environment that will keep you up for frequent late nights in the library. Its charming rose garden, tranquil lake, and beautiful grounds create a lovely place to study. Most importantly, Furman's liberal arts curriculum will prepare students to be engaged in all aspects of the fast-changing world.

FUstudent from Florida

05/05/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

20 of 25

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Campus Safety

The campus is extremely safe and takes huge measures to keep it that way. You have Furman police patrolling everywhere all the time, and you'll regularly get phone calls, emails, etc immediately if there is any threat of danger. Some students say to be careful walking through parking lots at night, but that can be said about Walmart or any grocery store in the country. Like I said, no need to be concerned for safety. Just be smart as usual.

Greek Life

Greek life is basically your social life at Furman. Well, I mean, there are the sports groups and band groups and art groups that do their own thing and love it. However, expect Greeks to dominate the social aspect of Furman. They highly encourage you to rush, and for about 90% of students (including me!) it's totally worth it. Which explains why its still so popular. Furman has some of the best fraternities and sororities that exist in the nation, and you'll never be bored once you join. That being said, don't expect a lot of crazy activities or huge parties on the weekends if you plan to avoid Greek life.

Clubs and Activities

Its a small school, so the clubs are small too. Some are popular and have hundreds of members, some don't thrive past winter. Do your research and know what to expect when you arrive.

Great for these types of students

The school has its stereotypes: every school does. If you're a boarding school kid or came from a private/Christian school, you'll meet a lot of other kids just like you. Many of their parents own money trees, summer houses, or some big company no one has really heard of. The upside is, you're meeting potential connections who will get you much farther in life than if you chose your typical community college. If you grew up in public school, or want a big school where kids paint their bodies for football games and toilet paper the trees after a big victory, don't look for that here. The dress code for football games at Furman is a sundress and cowboy boots for girls, and a button down shirt (you could even get away with a full-on business suit) for guys. They like to keep it classy, nothing wrong with that.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Be prepared on your birthday to get thrown in the lake (or fountain, if you're lucky). Also, don't take any romantic walks near the bellower unless its bellower serious.

Bang for the buck

If you want to get the most for your money, you will - but only if you work hard for it. There are students who come in their freshman year, barely manage 3 classes with a C average, and participate in maybe one club the whole time. If you're coming to Furman, be ready to work your brain. Getting A's isn't hard, but your professors know that, so they make it a challenge. This school shows its best value for the price in the classes you choose and how they are taught, and the professors who are extremely knowledgeable about the material. Pick your courses wisely, be prepared to pull a few all-nighters throughout the year, and celebrate when you ace your final test. Not to mention that great internship you landed over the summer!

What to do for fun

Lots of things! Hiking trails about an hour north, downtown is never boring with restaurants, bars, shops, and a beautiful park and waterfall. Paris Mountain is close and students like going up there to hang out. Asheville is only an hour away and Greenville is one of the larger, more-fun cities around South Carolina. You will definitely fall in love with the area. Its absolutely beautiful all year long.

Food and Dining

They have a dining hall and Paladin cafe. At first glance the DH is your new favorite buffet: yeah that feeling goes away quickly. Its your average Dining Hall - no one is boasting about it. The cafe is pretty good and most students like it. There are great restaurants right next to campus and downtown is barely 15 minutes away.

Dorm Life

The dorms are above average compared to state schools, and located within 10/15 walking distance to anywhere on campus. Some are quiet, some are noisy. Random roommates your freshman year are a big hit or miss: you'll meet your best friend or arch enemy. Don't overestimate hall activities: sometimes they happen, most of the time they die halfway through the year. Your RA will be nice to you, but chances are she's probably triple majoring in Chem, Bio and Neuroscience and has zero time to tolerate your illegal freshman adventures.

Academic Rigor

You won't be disappointed with the academics at this school. Especially in SC and nearby regions, Furman has earned its prestigious reputation.

Tips for prospective students

Take your high school into account - if you grew up in a small, private school and loved it, this is a good school for you. If you like the diversity and large-school feel of a public school, consider that into your search for the perfect school. Furman is very small compared to state schools and attracts students who are highly motivated to be successful, as there are many fresh off the boarding school bus, and have this work-hard/play-hard mentality.

In three sentences

A great Liberal Arts school with excellent education: one-on-one time with professors, and they work hard to get you internships/jobs after you graduate. Social life is strongly geared towards Greek life or sports, but there are many other clubs to get involved in aside from that. Definitely very small and a lot different than larger schools: mostly everyone knows each other and the school doesn't have that huge state school spirit if that's what you're looking for.

Elizabeth from Chicago, IL

05/31/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

21 of 25

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Comments

What to do for fun

Downtown Greenville is an awesome place! There are some outstanding restaurants. Falls park is beautiful! There is always something going on downtown on the weekends and even some weekdays during the warmer months.

Food and Dining

The dining hall on Furman's campus is pretty good. There are many options for different kind of eaters. The Paladen is good and is getting revamped this summer.

Dorm Life

The dorms are great. Each room has its own heating and cooling system. There are both suite style and hall bathrooms. The hall style bathrooms are cleaned everyday. There are kitchen is most of the dorms. There is a laundry room in each dorm, with costs included in tuition.

Academic Rigor

Furman is a rigorous school, but what you will learn is worth the work. Teachers expect students to always be prepared for class since most classes are discussion based.

Tips for prospective students

Be prepared to dedicate time to your school work. It may seem difficult, but it definitely worth it. Also, Furman is a place where there is a niche for everyone, despite its smaller size.

In three sentences

Furman is the perfect place to get a true liberal education. Furman classes will expand your mind in a way that I believe could not happen at any other university. The dedication of the professors to their students is outstanding.

Anonymous

I have never felt more safe anywhere else. Unless you decide to walk around the lake by yourself at night, Furman is one of the safest places ever.

Greek Life

If you're into trying it, it's great. You get to meet so many new people while giving back to the community through philanthropy events and having a blast at the functions. If going Greek isn't your style, however, there are plenty of people who aren't Greek. I have both Greek and non-Greek friends.

Clubs and Activities

There is something for everyone! If you don't find anything that interests you, Furman can give you money to start your own club.

Great for these types of students

Students who are driven, have a good work ethic, and are open to different ways of learning will do well. I have met many different kinds of people here.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Seniors get to run through the fountains on the last day of classes. Also, rumor has it if you kiss your significant other under the bell tower, you will be together for life.

Bang for the buck

Furman is definitely not cheal. However, there are plenty of scholarship and financial aid options and I believe my student loans will be worth the quality education I've received thus far.

What to do for fun

Downtown Greenville is cute and a great place to go for dinner, shopping, and even some clubbing. On campus, Furman sometimes hosts events and there are always weekend parties in the on campus apartments if you're into that. I've never been bored!

Food and Dining

The dining hall (DH) tries to change things up every now and then by having themed dinners. However, the day to day burgers, pizza, and variations of pasta and salad gets old after a while. There is also the PDen which has fast food and to-go options when you're looking to save time. In addition, there is a Starbucks in the bookstore (but it doesn't take meal points) and an Einsteins Bagels which is open late.

Dorm Life

If you like your space but are ok with having a roommate, Lakeside dorms are a great option. The freshmen dorms there are very spacious and there is a kitchen area on every floor. Also, all the buildings in Lakeside are connected which makes visiting friends easier. South Housing (SoHo) dorms are smaller but I've heard everyone bonds more easily because of it.

Academic Rigor

Furman is no joke when it comes to academics. I have yet to take an easy class here but most of the professors are very helpful and you definitely learn a lot from their classes.

Tips for prospective students

Take advantage of the programs Furman offers first year students such as pre-orientation trips, summer scholars, and more. I really enjoyed Furman's first year residential program known as Engaged Living where you live with students in your first year seminar and have the opportunity to learn outside the classroom.

In three sentences

Furman promotes a sense of community since all students are required to live on campus all four years. I like being able to visit my friends without getting lost or having to trek across campus. You definitely won't be lost in a crowd and will find a sense of home here.

Anonymous

The food is not so bad, and there is always something to eat. If you are concerned with gaining weight at school, don't go near the cookie station. The chocolate chip cookies are to die for.

Dorm Life

The dorms are great! The rooms are really big and clean and fully furnished with desks couches etc. The dorms themselves are always quiet, even on the weekends because the party people tend to go to the apartments or off campus houses.

Academic Rigor

The work is hard, but if you get to know your professors and put in the time outside of class, getting A's is possible. The struggle is real, but the information you leave each class with will surprise you and will never leave your memory.

Student from Chicago

You will never have to worry about creepy people wandering around Furman's campus at night. The only thing you have to worry about is parking tickets because they hand them out like candy

Greek Life

There are 6 fraternities on campus and 6 sororities. Furman will be adding a new sorority in 2015 as well. 50% of students on campus are in fraternities. 60% girls, 40% guys. Greek life is starting to go down hill. Unfortunately, Jason Cassidy is trying to ruin greek life on campus. New rules and restrictions prevent fraternities from basically having parties in general. Jason Cassidy is out to get greeks and he won't quit until we're all off campus. If you want to join a fraternity, save yourself and don't come here.

What to do for fun

Get off campus. Explore South Carolina and the North Carolina mountains. If you drive north into the mountains, there are beautiful views. Also, visit schools like Clemson and UGA so you can get a taste of what a really college party is like.

Food and Dining

Absolutely awful. The Furman dining hall just does not try. Make sure that you are not fooled if you visit the school. On accepted student days, Furman buffs up their dining hall and makes the food pretty good, but once the accepted students leave, it goes back to the normal gross food.

Dorm Life

Dorms are a good size. Make sure that you live in South Housing rather than Lakeside. South Housing is where all the fun happens.

Academic Rigor

Furman has been rated as the 2nd most rigorous country in the school. I believe it.

Tips for prospective students

If you ever come to Furman, download the app Yik Yak to your phone. It will use your current location to see what students say about Furman. You will truly get a sense of what Furman is like. If you do not have a chance to go to Furman, download the app anyway and select Peek in the More options button and go to Furman University.

In three sentences

Furman has a beautiful campus and a very tight knit community. Academics are hard but you know that you will get a good education. Social life is very laid back which means so no crazy parties.

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